We need a type of patriotism that recognizes the virtues of

The words of Francis John McConnell—“We need a type of patriotism that recognizes the virtues of those who are opposed to us.”—shine like a flame in the darkness, for they remind us that true greatness is not born of contempt but of magnanimity. Too often, patriotism is narrowed into a fierce love of self and a blind hatred of others. But McConnell teaches us that authentic devotion to one’s country must be broad enough to honor even the virtues of those who stand against us. For to see nobility in one’s rival is not weakness, but the highest proof of strength.

This teaching is deeply rooted in the wisdom of the ancients. The Greeks admired the courage of their Persian enemies, even as they fought them at Marathon and Thermopylae. The Romans built their empire not only through conquest but by absorbing the strengths of those they conquered, honoring their gods, adopting their customs, and integrating their wisdom into Roman life. McConnell’s vision of patriotism echoes this ancient truth: a nation that cannot respect the virtues of others is destined to shrink into arrogance and fragility, while a nation that can learn even from its adversaries grows stronger.

Consider the life of Abraham Lincoln, who, at the end of the Civil War, stood not as a victor drunk on triumph but as a statesman filled with compassion. He spoke of binding up the nation’s wounds, of acting “with malice toward none, with charity for all.” Lincoln understood McConnell’s truth: that even those who fought against the Union held virtues of bravery, loyalty, and sacrifice. To acknowledge these did not excuse their cause, but it made possible a future of reconciliation and healing. Here is patriotism not as vengeance, but as greatness.

There is also the story of General Ulysses S. Grant, who at Appomattox chose to let the defeated Confederate soldiers keep their horses and return home. He recognized their dignity even in defeat, allowing them to rebuild their lives. This gesture of respect toward former foes helped prevent further bitterness and bloodshed. Grant’s action embodies the patriotism McConnell describes: a love of country so deep that it transcends hatred and seeks to preserve unity by honoring the humanity of the other.

McConnell’s warning is clear: when patriotism blinds itself to the virtues of opponents, it decays into fanaticism. It becomes the kind of nationalism that despises difference, mocks dissent, and breeds endless conflict. But when patriotism is tempered with humility, it becomes a school of wisdom. It teaches citizens to admire courage wherever it is found, to honor justice even when declared by adversaries, and to recognize humanity across every line of division. Such patriotism does not weaken the nation; it ennobles it.

For us, the lesson is simple yet demanding: love your country, but do not despise others. When debating with those who disagree, do not close your ears to their virtues. When facing rivals in politics or in war, acknowledge their discipline, their bravery, their devotion—even if their cause is misguided. This does not diminish your love of your own land; rather, it strengthens it, for it roots your patriotism not in arrogance but in truth.

In daily life, this can be practiced by listening more than we speak, by finding points of respect even with those we oppose, and by refusing to let loyalty to our own community become hatred for another. If we do this, we will embody the kind of patriotism McConnell envisioned: one that unites rather than divides, one that honors rather than despises, one that builds rather than destroys.

Thus let McConnell’s words echo in our hearts: true patriotism recognizes the virtues of those opposed to us. It is not blind love, but wise love; not arrogance, but humility; not hatred, but understanding. Such patriotism is rare, but it is the only kind strong enough to endure through the ages, for it transforms enmity into wisdom and opposition into strength.